The sangeet ceremony is one of the vital rituals in an Indian wedding. The Indian Weddings signify much more than mere decorations, fineries, entertainment, wedding planners, mehendiwalis and flowers. The vital of all other activities is the union of two like-minded hearts. The sangeet ceremony is either held along with the mehendi ceremony or in the morning of marriage day. This ceremony is the musical announcement of the couple`s union, their love and prayers for their happy married life.
Marriage is a bond not only of two people for a lifetime commitment but also between two families. Hindu marriages deal with elaborate occasions of rituals and rites, customs and norms. Traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies expand for almost four to five days at a stretch. Sangeet Ceremonies forms an essential part of the Indian wedding Ceremonies.
There are people of various levels of wealth, status, religion and language in India. Marriage customs and ceremonies also vary accordingly. Basically Sangeet Ceremonies are usually held after The Mehendi Ceremony or along with it. The women folk of the household gather around the bride or sometimes, professional groups are called upon to perform the sangeet ceremony. The songs sung are all related to marriages and unifications, usually with folk lyrics and traditional music. Minimum usages of instruments are seen. After the sangeet ceremony, many more activities come up with fun, frolic, dance and traditional weeding songs.
Traditionally it was believed that sangeet ceremony is very much a part of the sagaai or engagement ceremony. In those days the Sangeet Ceremonies were included as one of the indispensable rituals of the formal engagement or the Sagaai program that takes place a few days before the main wedding date.
The sangeet ceremony is especially famous in the North Indian families. However in recent times Sangeet has found prominence even in South India and other parts of the nation. The concept of Sangeet is traditional and age old, but at the same time holds a special excitement in every marriage ceremony. Many wedding planners swear by it and say that it adds fun and color to any marriage ceremony. There are many professional wedding planners who help the hosts to prepare for the grand occasion. Theme Sangeets are the modern trends and is presented with much vigor. The purpose of these Sangeet Ceremonies are to celebrate the love life of the bride and groom- their love life, how they fell in love, how they met, and so on.
Sangeet Ceremonies are also great opportunities to come together and enjoy. Relatives travel long distance, come to the bride, and groom to attend the matrimonial ceremony of their loved ones. This ceremony, including the sangeet ceremony speaks of the strong sense of intimacy among Indians. The social natures of the Indians are well portrayed in such ceremonies.
More on Steps in a Indian Marriage Ceremony
More on Indian Wedding Accessories
More on Indian Religious Weddings
More on Types of Marriages
See also